Hal has been a professional music journalist since 1994, writing predominately about country, blues, Americana, roots rock and singer/songwriter genres for a variety of publications.
Similar to the best documentaries, you don’t need to be a Tom Petty fan to appreciate how this film captures the creation of Wildflowers, and illuminates his character, determination and perfectionism.
The debut solo album from The Deslondes member is bluesy and characteristically laid-back, coalescing different sounds into a soulful, lowdown whole. Once you’re on board with Downing's elusive, often entrancing vibe, you’ll wonder why it took a pandemic for him to hit center stage.
Even Petty fans hip to the initial soundtrack will want to add this refreshed take to their collections.
A selection of 20 of the best songs by an outlaw, cosmic country legend.
Kudos to Bryant for overcoming his psychological obstacles to craft his sturdy, if a little cliched, of Upbringing.
The Future effectively combines provocative lyrics married to the Sweats’ trademarked attack; one that’s successful, even triumphant, and paves the way for more of the same in forthcoming endeavors.
MBD’s latest nine-song opus is moderately more cohesive and, dare we say, accessible than some of their previous work.
Relish in this sumptuous look back into an Americana that may have never existed other than in the mind of Ben Schneider.
While there is no denying the musical parallels between TWB and their inspiration, The Band, the bulk of Shines Like Gold’s rugged Americana exudes enough unique qualities to show they can rest on their own merits.
It’s a classy, frequently moving, always provocative collaboration and one of Hiatt’s finest efforts which, considering his extensive catalog, is saying plenty.
Over 30 years after their split, the presciently titled new album from The Rave-Ups is a rousing return.
A performance that captures a historically significant, ragged but right moment from one of country music’s most renowned figures.
Even if Nicole Atkins’ name is unfamiliar, Memphis Ice shows her to be a superlative talent just waiting for the world to acknowledge her gifts.
It’s tricky to pick one singular track to return to after the 50-minute album is complete. It’s once again an all-killer-no-filler album, Crockett keeping up his extraordinary run of matching quantity with quality, all garnished with an endearing, “aw-shucks” vibe.
The delightful Gone, Long Gone should finally put Dawson on the popular radar, establishing him as the major talent he is. But if not, he will keep plugging away, juggling a variety of hats and contributing to music with his subtle, understated touch.
There is never a moment throughout this saga when the playing, singing and vocals feel anything less than earthy, honest and pure. That’s quite an accomplishment for this expansive hour and a half listen, particularly one where lyrics are so crucial to its enjoyment.
This release feels like the beginning of a confident new phase for M.C. Taylor - and might herald that for the music world in general too.
The singer’s confident voice and diversity in material display how much we’ve missed his presence in country music. It’s delightful to hear that he hasn’t lost a step.
It takes a brave artist to admit “If I’d known what I know a long time ago /I might have made of my life something more”. When it comes to Rodney Crowell, many would disagree; the intimate and often hypnotic Triage shows that he still has lots more to give.
Jake Shimabukuro welcomes guest stars including Willie Nelson, Billy Strings, Bette Middler and more for this eclectic set of covers.
A crash course in pure country from one of the music university’s finest and most knowledgeable professors.
It might not be the festive soundtrack you'll be merrily shopping along to this Christmas, but this record is certainly a distinct and unique entry into a genre overrun with less memorable and provocative fare.
There aren’t many artists talented enough to pull off a concept this uniquely creative and idiosyncratic without a hint of pretension. But Israel Nash has honed this territory for a while. The result is an immaculately constructed, filmic album that’s both expansive yet personal.
All quite lovely, charming and sedate, although at times the adjective snoozy rears its head...
It’s obvious that Sierra Ferrell is a refreshingly original talent on the roots music landscape; one who’s revealed just a sampling of her gifts on this confident and uncompromising initial studio set.
Only the frustratingly brief length of the program prevents this from showcasing the full extent of a relatively new talent, one who has his finger on the pulse of the darkest edge of Americana and his own psyche.
El Mirador is one of Calexico's most cohesive projects; a flavorful entrée that captures much of the secret sauce the band has served atop its spicy, sonic platter for so many years.
Rhiannon Giddens doesn’t need much time or supporting instrumentation to create fervently moving art. Even though the stripped-down qualities of They’re Calling Me Home are the result of the pandemic, they yield some of the most stirring music you’re likely to hear, this year or any other.
The Marfa Tapes is the rawest – and some might say most real - recording you’ll get from this trio - and it's all the better for it. Its unembellished sound and scruffy methodology is a quality we don’t have enough of in today’s often excessively tweaked and overly polished fare.
Between his earnest rumble of a voice, lyrics so genuine they can’t be fiction and the no frills production, these musical sketches bring us closer to connecting with Sean Rowe from a place total vulnerability.
Victoria has crafted a serious, often unrelenting and potent collection in A Southern Gothic - a powerful, searing work that pulses with the heartbeat of the American South.
While it may not be The Flatlanders at the top of their game, any fan of pure Texas country will find lots to relish on this collection. The tunes are terrific and it remains a treat to hear these troupers clearly having fun working at this late stage in their lives.
Many believe that the best art emerges from times of psychological struggle and/or philosophical unrest. That was the case in late 1970, when David Crosby recorded his first solo album, If I Could Only Remember My Name.
Experiencing this wonderful revitalization of Cahoots should spark renewed interest in what remains one of The Band’s still worthy efforts.
Jade Bird is just 23 and has two impressive records to her name. From the direction of Different Kinds of Light, her future could be about to take flight.
Pins and Needles sounds professional and pleasant, however the smoothed over, unruffled 70s-styled production strips many of these selections of the impact their smartly written lyrics deserve.
Even though this live record might sell tickets, it’s hard to recommend these readings over the classic versions that retain their modest yet earnest emotional punch.
What’s here is creative, well-written, professionally played country, but the nine originals barely break a half hour.
Listeners who gravitate to the darker fringe of the genre will find plenty to chew on in this stunningly intense album that takes no prisoners, often detonating as if ignited by the explosive titular element.
It may not be everyone’s hot toddy, yet For Christmas is a unique collection that balances conflicting emotions many have about the season; some, but not all of them, merry and bright.
There are multiple truths, uncertainties and life revelations infused in these tracks, all underscored by Moreland’s honesty and artistry.
Avi Kaplan's debut full-length introduces a compelling, convincing and emotional singer whose mellifluous baritone is as gripping as any instrument.
For Staff Picks, we share with you our favourite new releases that you need to listen to. This week, it's Amythyst Kiah's Wary + Strange - a mesmerizing, frequently hypnotic and always challenging work.
No matter how often you have heard some of the popular tracks included here, they never seem dated or passé. It’s impossible to compare this unique, enduring music to any other act of their time or later.
Even if this leans to pop more than the country or bluegrass she is best known for, Watkins’ affection for this collection of children's songs is obvious. She successfully crafts an album adults can enjoy, just as much as their little ones; maybe even more so.
Those who have followed Caudle’s career will appreciate his reflective attitude here, especially since the songs are hewed with such immaculate care and detail.
Leave it to M. Ward to release one of the most downbeat and melancholy albums of his career - just in time for the Christmas season.
The Blossoms’ natural minimalism - combined with Torrey and Burkum’s transcendent voices - make One Day an early contender for Americana album of the year.
15 of James Taylor's most popular, and arguably best, recordings; ones many think of when hearing his mellifluous voice and charming, timeless performances.
Anyone expecting a sophomore slump will be encouraged to learn that even with one member down, the group has solidified - and even amplified - the wonderful harmonies and memorable melodies that worked so effectively the first time out.
A list of some of Campbell's best hits from throughout his prolific six-decade career – providing just a taste of his expansive catalog.
Diverse, expertly crafted and resilient - with Just Like That..., it's clear that veteran Bonnie Raitt is nowhere near running out of gas.
Dance Songs for Hard Times is high-spirited, rambunctious roots music and a soundtrack to help dance away the blues - pandemic or otherwise.
The impressive Nightroamer is a logical step in a career arc that has never given in to commercial concerns.
If this sidetrack sends some of Gov’t Mules’ harder-rocking fans back to hear the originals - while tempting them with new music - it has done its job.
Marty Stuart should be praised for his production of the project, but on the enthralling The Cry of the Heart, Connie Smith shows that she remains a vibrant and convincing presence. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait another decade for number 55.
Grievous Angel is an extraordinary entry in the limited Gram Parsons catalog; a true milestone of Americana - or, more aptly, cosmic American music.
There's a depth of honesty, sensitivity and integrity to Introducing... The Pink Stones that few debut releases have the capacity or courage to display. The Pink Stones aren’t trying to reinvent the cosmic American music wheel, just get behind it and drive for a while. Come along and enjoy the ride.
With Tornillo, the band push the limited borders of Southern Rock wider with creativity and faith in their own substantial talents.
Just maybe, after nearly three dozen tries, this one is the game changer Jim Lauderdale has been working towards. It deserves to be.
While the laid-back nature of it could use more of the energy exhibited on much of his other work, it demonstrates that slowing down to reevaluate your life, whether you planned to or not, is time well spent.
A superb and mesmerizing next step in Erin Rae's promising career.
Hopefully, we don’t have to wait for another pandemic to hear a follow-up - Haggard’s rich catalog is ripe for such interesting reinterpretation.
Raw, revealing and often riveting - but not for the faint of heart.
The years of Carolyn Wonderland being a well-kept secret are about to end.
This relatively sharp break in the Banditos’ sound breathes fresh life into an outfit outfit looking to expand boundaries while maintaining its core musical mojo.
This is a major step forward for Buckley; her palpable confidence in her talent, along with some hypnotic melodies, is on track to make her a significant alt-country/Americana presence.
Lindell’s songs, confidence and poised phrasing make him a promising young talent, one whose best work is still ahead of him.
It comes as little surprise that McNally has finally got around to honoring Jennings with a disc dedicated to highlights and a few obscurities from his catalog.
It’s safe to assume that most have never heard anything in country, or in any other genre for that matter, quite like Country Coming Down.
This is a sweat-soaked gig that will make even the most skeptical observer surely appreciative of Springsteen’s talents as a potent writer, player, singer, bandleader and especially performer.
This is classy and complete. It’s likely the last word on how the disparate musical and personal threads of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young were woven, creating the uneven yet tremendously successful and often musically spellbinding tapestry of Déjà Vu.
As its title implies, Good to Be is geared to make you forget your problems. What’s a shame is that, bar functioning as agreeable background music, it rarely offers more.
There aren’t many surprises on That's Life, but that’s unimportant. Nelson’s in terrific voice, he clearly loves the material and delivers each of the eleven Frank Sinatra cover tracks with beautifully nuanced authenticity.
Fans of Staples and Helm will be thrilled with this magical, professionally recorded and mixed concert, hidden away for over a decade, that puts us right at the heart of the 2011 action.
This is pure, unaffected music, crafted to perfection by a veteran Americana artist thoroughly at peace with her recent move to a less cosmopolitan, more rustic environment.
The 19-track, hour playing time zips along with so much enthusiasm that it feels half as long. Even though it’s a bit of a mish-mash of re-recorded Asleep material with new songs, Half a Hundred Years is a constantly delightful recording that never takes itself too seriously.
King has found his niche in a feelgood sound that succeeds due to his aw-shucks personality, along with a homespun style that paves the way for further evolution in a still young and promising career.
Some singer-songwriters hide their emotions behind the characters in their songs; Nashville resident Michaela Anne is not one of them. This set digs deeper into the almost wincingly intimate issues she comes to terms with on these eleven shimmering folk pop pieces.
How great were The Band? Great enough to craft ten remarkable songs that remain moving and often exhilarating, even under trying and some might say demanding circumstances.
Though it's a surprising side road in his prolific career, Springsteen is clearly passionate about this soul material - and if it encourages fans to track down the iconic versions of songs that got his young blood bubbling, he will have done his job.
Reckless is an impressive initial showcase for a relatively new artist laying out her voice, personality and affecting lyrics for the world to hear. It’s still early in 2021, but this is likely to be one of the year’s top country debuts.
Every talented musician needs to grow and mature. That’s what Parker Millsap effectively does on Be Here Instead, his shot to attract a larger audience while preserving the organic qualities that have served him well to this point.
With You Hear Georgia, Blackberry Smoke’s tried and true approach feels as potent now as it did when they started down their long career path 20 years ago.
Coloring within bluegrass’s established outline, Calling You From My Mountain is another classy, beautifully crafted addition to a catalog and 60-plus-year career that’s as impressive as any in roots Americana.
Even if the small-town concepts expressed on Fortune Favors the Bold have been heard before, authentic lyrics and the band's warm southern country rock make them fresh - and even inspiring.
This record captures Cash in a transitory stretch - not yet lauded as the spokesperson for the downtrodden and a progenitor of the “outlaw” sound, but rather a talented country musician plying his trade on the road.
This late-in-life entry to a stunning near five-decade catalog is as warm, lyrically articulate and musically compelling as any Jackson Browne has recorded.
As the pride of Chickasaw County, Mississippi, Bobbie Gentry didn’t have a long career, but it turned out to be an influential one.
On the joyous and stirring Set Sail, the Allstars deliver a confident, captivating, enthusiastic vibe which sticks after the first spin.
The vulnerability in the lyrics and music of the Hackensaw Boys' new release feels honest and natural - a refreshing way to propel the band forward into their third decade.
Multiple Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (The Byrds, Crosby, Stills & Nash) David Crosby has died aged 81.
For this Shack Shakers edition, J.D. Wilkes shifts to high octane country swing, mashing Commander Cody and Asleep at the Wheel’s trademarked Texas soufflé with good natured honky-tonk.
To celebrate his induction to the Country Music Hall of Fame and forthcoming True Genius collection, we looked back at 10 examples of Ray Charles’ finest and most influential country performances - just a small sampling of his work in the genre.
Relish in one of contemporary music’s most dynamic voices at the peak of her songwriting powers and soul saturated vocal intensity.
O’Donovan, while clearly a disciple of others that paved the paths taken here, has created a provocative, moving and distinctive work all of her own.
Watson's spirited, affectionate work on Presents: The Memphians may only be a side trip in an extensive career, but it further confirms his love of a genre he will never abandon.
Shovels & Rope showcase yet more sonic evolution on this complex, heartfelt collection.
Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton and friends join the 82-year-old doo-wop icon for this rapturous bluesy collection.
Joined by a handful of like-minded musicians, 'Georgia Blue' sees Isbell cover a selection of songs by Georgia-hailing artists. It's a delightfully loose, expertly played and above all sincere 13-track set that checks every box for a project of this kind.
It won’t take long to realize that with First Time Feeling, singer/songwriter Leah Blevins has released one of the most impressive debuts in recent memory.
UK bluesman Jack Broadbent's most rugged and powerful performance to date.
A wonderfully energized, often joyful and wryly provocative release from the charismatic Steve Poltz
With The Alient Coast, St Paul & The Broken Bones have created audacious, unexpectedly experimental music that is daring and adventurous, in an era where repetition is too often the norm.
It’s impossible to overstate the importance of this debut. Not only did it introduce Yoakam as a fledgling yet seasoned talent with a voice that comes along once in a generation, but it presented pure country, amplified and energized, to a new, younger audience.
In the Blossom of Their Shade will make you forget about the frustrations of the last year and a half - at least for 40 minutes - and is a wonderful way to get acquainted with LaFarge’s unique, diverse and delightfully idiosyncratic musical personality.
Jennings exuded the rebellious swagger that defined the darker, edgier style of country he spearheaded in the 70s. Here are 20 examples of the icon at his most potent.
Collins' shimmering melodies and gloriously penned poetry create a passionate work ranking as one of her finest creations.
Pony Bradshaw’s talent for molding lyrics atop pensive melodies makes him one of Americana’s finest craftsmen.
The theory is enticing, but Greenfields is frustratingly a missed opportunity to breathe fresh life into Gibb’s music.
These interpretations replicate the timeless qualities all great work exudes. The artists breathe new life and fresh inspiration into material whose words and melodies haven’t lost an ounce of their powerful intensity, regardless of the style they are replicated in.
What La Botz does well though is he infuses darker concepts into the songs so they feel fresh; inspired and full of the wit and wisdom of an artist waiting for the public to catch up to him.
LA’s Buffalo Springfield created a template for the West Coast country rock aesthetic
Since releasing two stripped-down solo efforts in 2008 and 2010, then returning to his band for 2012’s Glad All Over, it’s been radio silence in Jakob Dylan’s career. That puts this new Wallflowers set, arriving nearly a decade later, squarely into comeback territory.
The duo plainly love this music, but instead of just covering musty classics, have crafted new songs every bit as genuine.
Drive-By Truckers flip back the calendar to muse on their origins on this smart, literate, grounded and musically creative 9-song set.
The purity and spirited personality Brennen Leigh projects, her obvious adulation of the genre’s history and of course stellar support from Asleep at the Wheel on Obsessed with the West creates a set that is a consistent delight.
Kiely Connell may be a newcomer now, but based on this striking recording, she won’t be for long.
It’s an impressive introduction - a balancing act that keeps one foot in deep, dark impressions while the other stands within enough commerciality to attract newcomers to Oladokun's sound.
Smartly arranged, intricate and inventive - Waging Peace is an impressive follow up from Alex Williams.
On the genre bending COUNTRY FUZZ, The Cadillac Three dispense with anyone’s idea of what they should sound like and instead march to the beat of their own drum.
Whether he continues releasing this overtly dated music is unclear. However, those who have previously jumped on Sam Outlaw’s chugging Americana train will want to sample his newfound course before hanging on for this unforeseen trip back in time.
The key to the album’s success is not just the wonderful, beautifully crafted songwriting or even the Whitmore Sisters’ stunning vocals. Rather, it’s the years the duo spent honing their craft alone before realising that together, they shared the final piece of the wonderful puzzle.
Give Furay credit for remaining in the game at this late stage. But it’s not too much to expect something more substantial, original and compelling from a guy with a standing in Americana history as impressive as his.
Now that the fun of Slappers, Bangers and Certified Twangers is out of his system BJ Barham returns to his heavier introspective impulses on these ten contemplative tunes.
His windswept voice that cracks and strains displays the wear and tear of decades. But that just makes these performances reverberate with the truths Willie Nelson wants to communicate.
James McMurtry has always been one of Americana’s finest artists, but with The Horses and the Hounds, he even bests his previous work for an album undoubtedly on the shortlist as one of 2021’s finest.
While a few more upbeat inclusions would have aided the flow, each track is beautifully, and occasionally radically, rearranged for optimum simplicity and effect. Here's Holler's album review of 'Vol.II'.
With 'Songs My Friends Wrote', Lund unearths, dusts off and revives lost should-have-been classics.
A stunning live recording that helps solidify the importance of the three-year stint of the Nash Ramblers, adding another notch to Harris’ impressive belt that every Emmylou enthusiast - and even those that aren’t - will treasure.
This is a feisty, frisky and fresh collection that finds father and son in superb spirits.
A selection of 20 of the best songs from an eclectic and prolific recording career that began in 1986 and shows no sign of slowing down
There is a better album lurking under the surface of Freewheelin’ Woman struggling to get out. But after the extended wait for new music from someone as talented as Jewel, it’s a disappointment.
Even though this doesn’t break new sonic ground, it’s proof that Arlo McKinley is a talent who’s in it for the long haul.
We reflect on this iconic album for its 50th anniversary, taking a look back at the story of the band's live recording at New York City's iconic Fillmore East.
Molly Tuttle isn’t trying to reinvent the bluegrass blueprint here, but rather stake her claim as a talented songwriter who loves the music and respects its traditions. It results in her finest album to date.
These tunes display the journeyman’s ability to pen music bathed in working-class grit and honed by decades of experience, music that would connect just as powerfully without the stellar assistance.